Facing terminal illness, Bozeman photographer gives back to community with free portraits

BOZEMAN, Mont. – A well-known photographer in Bozeman was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer. In response to his illness, Tim Stiller is giving back to the community.

For several years, Tim has owned and operated The Big Event Photography. A few months ago, he went to his doctor for back pain and was given a tragic diagnosis of stage-four cancer.

Doctors are unable to identify where the cancer originated at this time.

Tim has decided to spend the end of his life doing what he has always loved to do — but now offering it free of charge: taking photographs of the people in his community.

“And I decided, well they gave me X amount of time. We don’t know, it could be a couple weeks, it could be a couple months and I’m not trying to play any sad stories but my bottom line is, I decided to give back to the community,” he said.

Tim’s home studio is where he has been spending many hours will several people across the Gallatin Valley.

Those who have been photographed have been tipping Tim to help pay for his medical bills.

“The community has been so incredible, that’s all I can say about Bozeman. As long as I can be up with my camera and working for the theatre, and working for my clients, and working for the projects I really like to do in Bozeman, I’m going to continue on until I can’t anymore,” Tim said.

Though the time he has left is unknown, Tim remains in good spirits.

“It’s been a really good life, so I’m not really feeling bad about anything. I would much rather be doing this and being active in the community as much as I can and helping other people too,” he said. “This is not just my journey, there are other people that are going through this journey right now and if there’s anything I can do to reach out and help someone else just let me know because I’m there for you.”

Anyone wishing to book a session with Tim Stiller can find more information here, and anyone wishing to donate to his GoFundMe can click here.

Emma Hamilton

Emma joined the KBZK news team in May of 2018 as a news reporter. When she's not reporting, Emma enjoys the outdoors, running and spending time with her dog, Lucy. Have a story idea or want to chat? Send Emma an email at ehamilton@kbzk.com